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Eva Granger firmly believes that anyone can launch a career at NASA. As the events and milestones lead for the Orion Program\u2019s strategic communications team, she dedicates her time to engaging with the public and educating them not only about the Orion spacecraft but also about the various opportunities to contribute to the agency\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have met so many people who don\u2019t think aerospace is possible for them, but it\u2019s easy to clear up that assumption. There are artists, nurses, psychologists, administrative assistants, and more working at NASA,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are opportunities for everyone to build a life and career here, and telling someone that, and seeing something spark, is always rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Granger started working as a full-time contractor in October 2023 at Johnson Space Center in Houston, she was already familiar with her role. An internship in 2022 gave her experience with the program\u2019s event planning and coordination, as well as an exciting opportunity to support and staff the Artemis I launch at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. <\/p>\n
\u201cDuring those few days, I met individuals who flew from all over the world to watch the launch. The commitment and excitement that I felt from the global audience was tangible, and impressed on me the importance and impact of the work we do,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s one thing to know the world is watching, but it\u2019s a whole different experience to meet them and be told they\u2019re rooting for your program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Granger is an active member of Johnson\u2019s Out & Allied Employee Resource Group (ERG) and is currently working to organize the group\u2019s participation in the Houston Pride Parade. \u201cWe want to have fun with the parade, but it also gives us an avenue to put together an event that is visible and that anyone at Johnson can attend and be excited about together<\/em>,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She believes that continually being present and engaged is the best way to support and champion an equitable and inclusive environment. \u201cThe ERG has been amazing in giving us a structured opportunity to make a difference,\u201d she said. \u201cIf we show up at the JSC Chili Cookoff or at intern events, people know that we\u2019re here. It shows our closeted friends that there is a support network here at Johnson, and it allows the greater Johnson community to learn about our group and engage with us.\u201d<\/p>\n The ERG also provides valuable professional development resources and networking opportunities. \u201cAs a young professional, it is crucial to have mentors, and Out & Allied is full of people who are excited to spend their time building up our members and our community,\u201d Granger said.<\/p>\n She encourages colleagues to connect with others outside their usual social and professional circles as a way to support diversity and inclusion. \u201cThere are hundreds of people on campus and all of them have something interesting to share if you stop and say hi,\u201d she said. \u201cLittle interactions go a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n